Nurse Role in SDLC
Graduate-Level Nurse Role in Health Information Technology Implementation
Health information technology (HIT) projects follow the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to ensure that new systems meet organizational and clinical needs. Involving a graduate-level nurse in the implementation team brings a clinical perspective that improves usability, safety, and adoption of the system. This role description outlines the nurse’s responsibilities and impact throughout the SDLC stages: planning and requirements definition, analysis, design, implementation, and post-implementation support.
Planning and Requirements Definition
In the planning stage, the graduate-level nurse participates by identifying clinical priorities and ensuring alignment of the proposed system with patient care needs.
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Nurse Role in SDLC
Analysis
The nurse collaborates with IT specialists to map current practices and recommend modifications that promote efficiency and safety. Their contribution supports a thorough understanding of user needs, preventing misalignment between technical capabilities and clinical demands.
Design of the New System
In the design phase, the graduate-level nurse acts as a liaison between clinical staff and technical developers. The nurse reviews prototypes, provides feedback on user interface design, and ensures clinical terminology accuracy. By advocating for intuitive, evidence-based workflows, the nurse reduces cognitive burden and improves user satisfaction.
Implementation
Responsibilities include participating in staff training, promoting user engagement, and addressing concerns related to adoption. Their leadership supports smooth transitions, minimizes resistance, and enhances acceptance among staff.
Post-Implementation Support
In the post-implementation stage, the graduate-level nurse monitors system performance, identifies areas for optimization, and provides ongoing feedback to the IT team. By maintaining engagement beyond go-live, the nurse ensures long-term system effectiveness and sustainability.
Conclusion
Graduate-level nurses play a critical role in every stage of the SDLC by integrating clinical expertise with technological development. Their involvement ensures that health information technology systems are patient-centered, efficient, and sustainable.
References
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2022). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Sipes, C. (2019). Project management for the advanced practice nurse (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
